The Indian women’s team lifted their maiden World Cup title courtesy of a fantastic all-round performance on Sunday, November 2. Facing South Africa, India triumphed over Laura Wolvaardt’s side in a tense, nerve-wracking final at the DY Patil Stadium.
All hell broke loose as captain Harmanpreet Kaur caught the final ball in the 46th over, sealing India’s name in the history books. The emotion on the players’ faces said it all — this was not just a victory but the fulfilment of a dream, a moment of pride that marked India’s first-ever Women’s World Cup title.
Perhaps the most surreal part of this triumph was how a mosaic of personalities came together to make things happen at different stages of the final. The exuberance of Shafali Verma, the calm of Smriti Mandhana, the fierce intensity of Harmanpreet Kaur, and the industriousness of Deepti Sharma all converged to help India lift the trophy on home soil, just two years after the heartbreak suffered by Rohit Sharma’s men’s team.
In this article, we explore the journeys of the 16 stars who brought glory to India — not only as cricketers but as individuals with vibrant lives beyond the boundary.
Harmanpreet Kaur
We know Harmanpreet Kaur as the passionate and enigmatic captain who leads with courage and composure. But behind the fierce exterior lies a story of grit and defiance. The 36-year-old from Moga, Punjab, had to battle stereotypes to carve her own path in a sport long dominated by men. Inspired by her father, Harmandar Singh Bhullar, a basketball and volleyball player, she was determined to represent India, even if it meant joining a men’s team to prove her worth.
Harmanpreet once shared a telling memory of her mother’s doubts.
“I was very young when my mother told me, ‘You’re always playing with boys. You have no vision for your career.’ She asked me to learn cooking and wear salwar kameez like other girls. I told her I’d make a life out of cricket — and after that, she never questioned me again,” she said in an interview with Cosmopolitan.
Since her debut in 2009, Harmanpreet has redefined Indian women’s cricket. Her 171 against Australia in the 2017 World Cup remains iconic, and her leadership continues to inspire multiple generations of cricketers.
Smriti Mandhana
Smriti Mandhana is an avid gamer who loves playing Battlegrounds Mobile India (BGMI). She calls it her favorite stress-buster — a mix of reflexes and strategy that mirrors her cricketing instincts. As an A23 ambassador, she promotes responsible gaming, but off-duty, she’s often seen immersed in intense BGMI sessions with friends.
Away from cricket, Smriti loves cooking and has even taken Punjabi cuisine classes. Her signature dish, spicy Paneer Tikka Masala, is what she calls “therapy in a bowl.” Cooking, for her, brings the same joy as timing a perfect cover drive.
A passionate traveler, Smriti dreams of exploring Switzerland’s serene landscapes and Australia’s outdoors — a country she already knows well through cricket. When she’s not gaming, cooking, or traveling, she indulges in her simplest luxury: sleep. And when awake, she’s usually binge-watching her favorite Bollywood and Hollywood films.
Jemimah Rodrigues
Some know her for her singing and reels, others for her dazzling fielding and batting flair. Jemimah Rodrigues is the spark that lights up both the Indian dressing room and the field.
Born to Catholic parents, Ivan and Lavita, Jemimah began playing cricket at the age of seven under the guidance of her father, who was also her first coach. Growing up in Bandra, she was inspired by her brothers Eli and Enoch before choosing cricket as her calling. Rising through Mumbai’s ranks, she soon caught the eye of former England captain Nasser Hussain, who predicted she would be a future superstar.
A devout Christian, Jemimah has faced her share of trolling for her faith, yet she remains grounded and determined. After several comebacks, the 25-year-old played the innings of her life in the semifinal against Australia, propelling India into the 2025 World Cup final.
Deepti Sharma
Player of the Tournament Deepti Sharma is not just an all-rounder but also a Deputy Superintendent of Police, much like Mohammed Siraj. Off the field, she’s deeply family-oriented and credits her mother for much of her wisdom and calm.
Deepti’s cricketing story began with an instinctive throw that changed her life. Watching her brother Sumit train in Agra, she picked up a stray ball and hurled it straight into the coach’s hands — an act that caught the eye of former India batter Hemlata Kala. From that day, Sumit devoted himself to coaching Deepti, even quitting his job to help her pursue cricket full-time. “When Deepti plays today, I play for India with her,” he once said.
By 18, Deepti had already claimed a six-wicket haul in ODIs, one of India’s best-ever bowling performances. Her 188 against Ireland in 2017 remains legendary. At the 2025 World Cup, she became the first player to score 200 runs and take 15 wickets in a single edition, underscoring her unmatched versatility and composure.
Richa Ghosh
Born in Siliguri, Richa Ghosh is India’s explosive finisher and a fearless hitter. An explorer at heart, she loves discovering new cafs during her travels. At just 14, she debuted for Bengal’s senior team, and by 16, she was India’s youngest member at the 2020 T20 World Cup. Her attacking mindset, shaped by playing with boys, translated seamlessly into international cricket.
Coaches describe her as “unafraid of pace or pressure,” a trait she proved with her record-breaking 94 against South Africa in 2025 — the highest score ever by a No. 8 batter. Despite fame, Richa remains humble, often calling home for her mother’s fried rice after a big game.
Amanjot Kaur
Amanjot Kaur’s journey from Mohali’s bylanes to the Indian dressing room is a story of courage born out of simplicity. Growing up in a family of modest means, she faced societal scepticism about playing cricket with boys. Her biggest supporter was her grandmother, who always stood by her.
When Amanjot was denied a turn to bat because she didn’t own one, her father, a carpenter, crafted a bat overnight from spare wood. “That was my first bat,” she recalled. “It meant everything.” Beyond cricket, Amanjot is a dog lover, often sharing moments with her pets on Instagram.
Renuka Singh Thakur
Renuka Singh Thakur was born on January 2, 1996, in Parsa village, Rohru tehsil, Shimla district of Himachal Pradesh. She grew up in a modest household where her father, Kehar Singh Thakur, worked in irrigation and public health. Tragically, he passed away when Renuka was only three years old. Her mother, Sunita Thakur, took up a government job as a Class IV employee to support the family. Despite their financial struggles, Renuka’s father’s love for cricket left a deep impression on her — he had even named his son after cricketer Vinod Kambli.
Encouraged by her uncle Bhupinder Singh Thakur, a physical education teacher, Renuka joined the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association’s residential academy in Dharamsala around 2009. Growing up amidst the hills gave her a natural advantage in stamina and fitness. Her journey through Himachal’s age-group cricket was steady and determined, fuelled by her mother’s sacrifices and her own discipline. From a small-town athlete with limited means to a national star, Renuka’s story is one of quiet strength and perseverance.
Pratika Rawal
Born on September 1, 2000, in Delhi, Pratika Rawal grew up in a family that valued both academics and sports. Her father, Praveen Rawal, is a respected BCCI umpire, while her mother is a homemaker who always encouraged her to balance studies with athletic pursuits. Pratika’s sporting interests were diverse — she excelled in basketball and even won a gold medal for Delhi at the 64th School National Games in 2019 before dedicating herself fully to cricket.
Educated at Modern School, Barakhamba Road, she scored an impressive 92.5% in her Class 12 exams before pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Jesus and Mary College, Delhi University. Her background in psychology shaped her understanding of the game, allowing her to develop a strong analytical and mental approach.
Pratika’s cricket journey began at age ten at Rohtak Road Gymkhana Cricket Academy, where coaches Sharvan Kumar and later Dishant Yagnik helped her refine her batting. Balancing training and academics, she rose through Delhi’s ranks with remarkable discipline. Her education and sporting insight give her a unique perspective on performance, making her one of the most thoughtful young batters in Indian cricket.
Radha Yadav
Radha Prakash Yadav was born on April 21, 2000, in Mumbai and grew up in Kandivali, though her roots trace back to Jaunpur in Uttar Pradesh. Her father, Omprakash Yadav, ran a small vegetable and milk stall outside their housing society, while her mother managed the household. Born two and a half months premature, Radha’s survival itself was a miracle, and that resilience later defined her life.
Playing cricket with boys in narrow Mumbai lanes, Radha’s talent quickly drew attention. Coach Prafful Naik saw potential in her and encouraged formal training. Although her father initially hesitated due to financial constraints, Naik’s confidence in her changed everything. She began representing Mumbai in age-group tournaments and later moved to Baroda for better opportunities.
Often training with borrowed gear, Radha developed precision, control, and a fierce competitive streak as a left-arm spinner. Her humble background instilled in her a work ethic that has become her defining trait. From a vegetable seller’s daughter to an India international, her story reflects the spirit of transformation through relentless effort and belief.
Harleen Kaur Deol
Harleen Deol’s rise in Indian cricket is not just about talent but also about the unshakable support of her family. As the second woman from Chandigarh to represent India, she has become a symbol of persistence and grace.
Her father fondly recalls her mischievous childhood.
“She sometimes missed her school bus on purpose so that I had to drop her on my scooter. She loved those rides. At school, she played everything — badminton, hockey, football. When her sports teacher told me these were boys’ games, I refused to listen. I asked Harleen what she wanted to play, and she chose cricket. My only job was to stand by her.”
By the age of eight, Harleen was already part of the Under-19 team playing in the IPSC tournament. From there, she made her mark in the Challenger series before earning her India debut. Her father says he remains proud of her choices, and his belief in giving daughters the freedom to decide their path has been his life’s greatest conviction.
“Every house should have a daughter,” he says. “They must have the freedom to choose. Parents only need to stand by them.”
Uma Chetry
Uma Chetry, the talented wicketkeeper from Assam, is admired not only for her quick reflexes behind the stumps but also for her devotion and love for music. Deeply spiritual, she often sings bhajans in her native village of Kandulimari, filling the air with melody and faith. Her soulful performances once earned her an invitation to sing during a grand Shivratri celebration — an event that highlighted her deep connection to her roots.
Her brother, Bijoy Chetry, describes her as simple and grounded, someone who finds happiness in the little things. Uma is also known for her fondness for Aaloo Ki Chatni, a tangy and spicy dish of mashed potatoes mixed with chutneys and fresh herbs. Whether on the cricket field or at a village gathering, Uma Chetry’s warmth and humility continue to endear her to those around her.
Sneh Rana
Sneh Rana, the versatile Indian all-rounder from Sinaula, Dehradun, has a personality that beautifully balances creativity and adventure. Off the field, she paints, sketches, and shares her art on social media, describing it as her way of finding peace after intense matches.
When she’s not painting, Sneh is often travelling or trekking through India’s scenic landscapes. In interviews, she has said that exploring new places helps her reconnect with herself and keeps her mentally strong. Her combination of art, travel, and sport paints a picture of a woman who thrives on both introspection and exploration. Painting gives her serenity, while trekking gives her strength — together, they keep her grounded and inspired.
Shafali Verma
In Rohtak’s bustling lanes, a young Shafali Verma once picked up a bat larger than herself — and with it, began rewriting what was possible for girls in Indian cricket. The daughter of a jewellery repair worker, Shafali was trained by her father, Sanjeev, who ignored social criticism and focused on nurturing her talent.
At just nine, Shafali disguised herself as her brother Sahil, who had fallen ill before a boys’ Under-12 tournament. She cut her hair short, wore his kit, and went on to win the Player of the Tournament award. Her fearless style of batting, born in those early days, continues to define her today. Off the field, Shafali remains humble and family-oriented, inspired by Sachin Tendulkar and Virat Kohli. Despite the fame, she carries the same joy and gratitude that marked her beginnings in Rohtak’s dusty grounds.
Kranti Gaud
Kranti Gaud, known as Rohini in her village Ghuwara in Bundelkhand, represents courage in its purest form. Born on August 11, 2003, and the youngest of six siblings, she grew up in a modest household where every meal was a struggle. Her father, a police officer, lost his job in 2012, plunging the family into financial hardship. Yet, her eldest brother, Mayank, saw her potential and insisted she pursue cricket despite the odds.
“There were days we didn’t have proper meals. People mocked us for letting Kranti play cricket, but we never gave up,” Mayank recalled in an interview.
When Kranti earned her first commercial deal, she chose to use part of her income to support underprivileged girls at her childhood academy. Her ultimate dream is to buy her family a home — to ensure they never again face the pain of displacement. Her story is not just one of success but of deep empathy and resilience.
Arundhati Reddy
Ask Arundhati Reddy where her story begins, and she’ll point to her mother. Growing up in Hyderabad, she was guided by her mother, Bhagya Reddy, a semi-professional volleyball player who once dreamed of representing India herself. When that dream passed to her daughter, Bhagya made sure nothing stood in her way — she coached her, encouraged her, and even bought her a scooter at 18 so she could reach practice sessions more easily.
Arundhati initially wanted to be a wicketkeeper like her idol MS Dhoni, but her coaches spotted a natural fast bowler in her. They were right. Her pace and aggression soon made her one of India’s most exciting young prospects. Off the field, Arundhati is known for her optimism, sense of humour, and gratitude toward her mother. For her, every match is more than a contest; it’s the continuation of a shared dream between two women bound by love, ambition, and sacrifice.
Shree Charani
The slow left-arm orthodox spinner was one of the key figures behind India’s sensational win at the World Cup. Bowling through the crucial middle stages of the match, Shree Charani gave away more than 6 runs an over, only twice in this entire tournament.
Her ability to bowl at a decent pace and then turn the ball away from the right hander put nearly every team in trouble, helping her pick 14 wickets in the tournament.
Shree Charani was lucky to grow up in a family that loved sports overall. Charani, in an interview with ESPNcricinfo revealed that she was encouraged to play all sports, but cricket remained a constant in her life.
“From childhood, I played with my uncle, brother, dad and sister,” she said. “Whenever our friends near the colony played, I used to join. I played many sports – kho kho, badminton, athletics – but cricket was a constant.”
She was never into studies, and just wanted to play cricket. Luckily, her family was in support of that.
A shy person, who used to operate in monosyllables at the start of her cricketing days, Shree Charani found support in incredible figures like Meg Lanning and former Australia batter Lisa Keightley, the assistant coach of Delhi Capitals, Charani’s WPL team.
From there on, it was history.
– Ends
Published On:
Nov 3, 2025
